Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Returns Home After Release from Iranian Prison

ITItaly|

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, has returned to Rome after being detained in an Iranian jail for over three weeks. Sala, 29, was arrested on December 19 following the detention of an Iranian engineer in Italy, who was suspected of supplying drone technology linked to the deaths of US soldiers.

During her imprisonment, reports indicate that Sala was held in solitary confinement at Tehran’s infamous Evin prison. The news of her arrest initially broke on December 27, sparking outrage among the Italian public and dominating headlines.

Upon her arrival at Rome's Ciampino airport, Sala was reunited with her partner, fellow journalist Daniele Raineri, and welcomed home by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who played a key role in securing her release. Meloni described her return as a result of "intense work through diplomatic and intelligence channels."

The Iranian government initially claimed that Sala was detained for violating the country’s laws. However, US officials suggested her arrest was linked to the aforementioned Iranian national, Mohammad Abedini, asserting that she might have been used as "political leverage."

While the exact circumstances that led to her release remain unclear, the head of Italy's foreign intelligence service reportedly traveled to Tehran for her return. Sala's father expressed pride in her and praised the government's efforts, describing the situation as a complex "game of chess."

Sala's return coincides with heightened diplomatic discussions, including a recent meeting between Prime Minister Meloni and US President-elect Donald Trump.

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